Maladjusted

Chapter 7

The mood in the Stetson/King household was somber the next morning as each person was trying to process the events from the night before.

As Lee and Amanda came down dressed for work Dotty was at the table drinking her coffee and having toast stating, "Good morning. The boys have eaten and already left."

Amanda and Lee looked at each other and Amanda glancing at her watch asked Dotty, "Why? Was there something going on at school early? The bus would've been here in another half hour."

Dotty shrugged answering, "I don't know, Dear. They seemed fine when I came down and saw them eating their cereal. But they had all their school books and their lunches made so I didn't question it. Billy Barton came over when they finished eating and then they left with him."

As Amanda got her coffee Lee went to the table and sitting next to his mother in-law put his hand over hers remarking slowly, "Dotty, I'm truly very sorry I scared you and the kids last night. I was only thinking of protecting the family. It was a knee-jerk response to my profession and it won't happen again. I promise."

Dotty swallowing hard nodded but carefully pulled her hand away from Lee's and asked them both, "So. Given what you've told us so far, how much danger are we all in right now?"

Amanda sighed as she stirred her coffee and commented carefully, "No more so than anyone else in the world, I imagine. Lee, would you like some coffee?"

Lee stared blankly at the table and then at her shaking his head and getting up slowly responding, "Uh, no. Thanks, Honey. I think I'd better get going. I'll see you tonight."

Going by the counter he gave her a peck on the cheek and answered, "Bye..."

He walked out as Amanda shook her head calling after him, "I- I was gonna go with you. Wait!"

Putting her cup down she grabbed her purse and went out the front door but came back a few minutes later shaking her head stating confusedly, "He just pulled out. He always likes it when we go in together."

Dotty sighed and responded, "Amanda, sit down. I want to ask you something. Please?"

Amanda putting down her purse joined her mother at the table and queried, "What is it, Mother? I have to go soon."

Dotty shaking her head answered, "I love you with all my heart but I have to know. What in the world were you thinking?"

Amanda shrugged stated, "I was thinking about going to work. What -"

Dotty groaned and commented angrily, "Don't you get smart with me, Young Lady! I'm talking about Lee! You've known that man for how long and we only just find out that you not only do not work as filmmakers but that you carry guns-"

Amanda responded tersely, "I don't carry a gun, he does! I don't even like guns but I've been taking lessons in the firing range because it's necessary for our jobs! Now, look...I know this is a lot to take in at the moment but Lee and I will discuss this with our boss and we will figure out any adjustments we have to make here, all right? But I promise you just what Lee did. What happened last night won't happen again because we'll make sure of it."

Getting up she kissed Dotty's cheek and replied softly, "I have to go. I love you..."

As she gathered her purse and keys she looked back at Dotty answering quietly, "You know, you and Daddy always taught me to be the best person I could be. Well, I'm exactly that and exactly where I should be in my life. With a wonderful man and family. I never said it would be easy, But I am happy. Isn't that what you and Daddy wanted for me, also?"

She left with Dotty sitting at the table, tears falling as she whispered nodding, "Happy and safe, Panda! Happy and safe..."

TBC